Latino Unemployment Reaches 12-Month High

COLUMBUS, OH - In November, Latino unemployment rates reached a 12-month high of 13.2 percent, according to the latest Race-Recovery Index prepared by the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University. While unemployment was up slightly for all groups in November to an overall rate of 9.8 percent, Blacks and Latinos continued to face significantly higher unemployment rates than the overall population.

November data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that unemployment rates for White men, who traditionally face lower-than-average unemployment rates, are slowly rising to approach national unemployment rates (9.2 percent for White men versus 9.8 percent for the overall population.) This trend may signify either that the economic crisis is worsening or that formerly discouraged workers are re-entering the labor force.

Other findings show that Black-owned businesses have received a proportionately lower number and dollar value of federal stimulus contracts when compared with other businesses.

The Race-Recovery Index tracks how the federal stimulus and economic recovery are impacting communities most in need. It is produced monthly by the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, a center for interdisciplinary research at The Ohio State University. The Kirwan Institute partners with people, communities, and institutions worldwide to think about, talk about, and act on race in ways that create and expand opportunity for all.